Citric acid as a masking agent for high concentrations of nickel in the determination of selenium by hydride generation atomic-absorption spectrometry

Abstract

Citric acid has a masking effect on nickel when present in the determination of selenium by the hydride generation-atomic-absorption technique. Satisfactory signals are obtained for 10 µg l^–1 of selenium in the presence of 1600 mg l^–1 of nickel(II). The determination of selenium in nickel samples is then possible, provided a suitable acid mixture is used for dissolution. However, the standard additions calibration procedure is still necessary.